Tyson Bagent has huge opportunity to lock down QB2 role for Bears

The Chicago Bears kick off their 2025 preseason schedule on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins, and one player with the most to gain is backup quarterback Tyson Bagent.

The 2023 undrafted free agent’s job as Caleb Williams’ backup seemed to be in jeopardy when the Bears signed veteran Case Keenum this offseason. But Bagent has been fantastic in training camp. In fact, there have been a few practice sessions in which he was the best quarterback on the roster.

However, Keenum is in town for a reason. And Bagent still must prove he’s worthy of being the first quarterback off the bench if needed.

“He’s been phenomenal,” Bears coach Ben Johnson said of Bagent. “He’s smart as a whip. I appreciate the seriousness and intent that he brings every time he walks into a meeting room, walkthrough, it doesn’t matter. He locked in, he’s focused. I think his teammates feel that from him.”

Bagent has consistently made plays throughout training camp. It translated to the Bears’ joint training camp practice with the Dolphins. He connected with first-round tight end Colston Loveland for a big touchdown pass during 7-on-7s.

Tyson Bagent has done everything right at training camp

“He’s constantly communicating what he sees and where he needs to go with the football,” Bears offensive coordinator Declan Doyle said. “Coming back (to the coaches), knowing what the problems might be. He sees the game pretty clearly and I think that’s because he takes it really seriously and he studies.”

Tyson Bagent has four career starts in the NFL. And despite throwing six touchdowns to 11 interceptions, he’s flashed enough developmental upside to project as a potential NFL starter down the road.

For now, Bagent’s best chance at a long pro career is as Williams’ backup.

“I know that it’s a backup job in this league, it’s different than a lot of other jobs, sports jobs especially, in the world,” Bagent said. “So, for me, nothing really changes. You have to stay ready and stay on top of it, keep leaning forward, leaning into the guys and stay ready when your number is called.”

Tyson Bagent’s number will be called on Sunday. It’s up to him to deliver.